Do You Need to Use Turn Signals When Starting on a Slope?

[McLandon]

Starting on a slope does not require the use of turn signals. The specific steps for starting on a slope are as follows: 1. Adjust the seat, then press the clutch and brake, release the handbrake, slowly release the clutch until you feel the car body shake, then gradually release the brake until it is completely off, allowing the car to start climbing the slope; 2. Align the protruding line on the car's hood with the cement seam on the ground, and stop the car when your shoulder aligns with the designated line, then press the brake; 3. At this point, when you reach the sign for stopping and starting on the slope, slowly climb upwards, feel the car body shake, then gradually release the brake until it is completely off, allowing the car to continue moving forward. Stop at the red light by pressing the clutch and brake, and shift to neutral; 4. When there are 4 or 5 seconds left before the light turns green, without touching the clutch, lightly press the brake, and the car will naturally roll backward. Look at the left rearview mirror, and when the car is level with the cement seam, slowly roll backward, stop, and pull the handbrake.

[MacEva]

I remember when I first started driving, I used to feel nervous during hill starts and thought about using the turn signal for help. But later I realized that turn signals are specifically designed to indicate turning intentions, not for starting on a slope. If you're on a slope and don't intend to turn or change lanes, using the turn signal might mislead the driver behind into thinking you're about to change direction. If they accelerate or change lanes in response, the risk of an accident increases significantly. Once, I used the turn signal while starting on a steep slope, and the driver behind thought I was turning right, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Since then, I only use the signal when I'm actually turning. The key to a hill start is controlling the brake and throttle or using the handbrake to prevent rolling back. Focusing on these operations is much safer. With more practice and getting used to coordinating your hands and feet, you'll naturally stop misusing the signals. Driving requires following the rules to avoid misleading others with bad habits.

[OLevi]

During my driving lessons and license test, the instructor repeatedly emphasized this point: do not use the turn signal when starting on a slope. Unless you are simultaneously turning or changing lanes while starting, using the turn signal is meaningless and even violates the rules. Turn signals are tools for communicating direction, and using them without reason only misleads following vehicles and increases confusion. I once saw someone make this mistake during the test, and the examiner immediately deducted points and criticized them because it could lead to accidents. Starting on a slope is already stressful enough—you need to focus on coordinating the brake and throttle without being distracted by unnecessary actions. From my personal experience, developing good habits—only using the turn signal when changing direction—can reduce misunderstandings and improve driving safety. Driving is no joke; rules must be remembered, and the key to starting on a slope is to stay focused on preventing the car from rolling back.

[LaAndres]

Safety comes first when driving, and it's crucial not to use the turn signal during a hill start. Turn signals are direction indicators, meant only for turning or changing lanes. If you're simply starting on a slope without intending to change direction, using the signal can mislead others into thinking you're about to move, significantly increasing the danger. I strictly adhere to this principle because I've witnessed an accident: a driver signaled while starting on a slope, leading to a misjudgment by the following car and resulting in a sideswipe. Focus on controlling the car to prevent rolling back, using the handbrake or foot brake to assist the throttle is sufficient—don't distract yourself by unnecessarily signaling. Following the rules ensures everyone's safety.